Production on Days of our Lives is taking an unexpected pause. A representative for Peacock, the streaming service that is home to DAYS, confirms that the show will not return to production next week as previously planned.
The decisions come amid fallout from a blockbuster report about alleged misconduct by longtime DAYS co-executive producer and director Albert Alarr. Nearly 40 DAYS performers -- mostly female -- were interviewed over a nine-week period about unwanted physical contact by Alarr, including groping and forceful kissing. Those interviewed alleged that Alarr had made DAYS a toxic workplace.
Days of our Lives has been dark this week but was scheduled to return to production next week. Now, Deadline reports that DAYS will have an unplanned hiatus until at least the week of August 7.
The allegations against Alarr have caused two notable former cast members to speak out this week. On Wednesday, Peter Reckell (Bo Brady) called the allegations against Alarr "disturbing" and "shocking."
"We have learned disturbing news about the environment at DOOL. It's shocking to all who care deeply about the show, it's legacy, and the audience who love it so much. With quick resolution, I hope to see a return to its past values of family and respect for all," Reckell wrote in a tweet.
We have learned disturbing news about the environment at https://t.co/f9PqCM6U9EÌs shocking to all who care deeply about the show, it's legacy, and the audience who love it so much. With quick resolution,I hope to see a return to its past values of family and respect for all.
— Peter Reckell (@peterreckell) July 26, 2023
In a separate statement posted to social media on Wednesday, Reckell's former DAYS co-star Lisa Rinna (ex-Billie Reed) called the allegations against Alarr "disgusting." Rinna returned to the cast in 2021 for a special five-episode appearance on the Peacock series Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem.
"Well, this took a long time... the last time I went over there and did that week on Peacock I couldn't believe the work environment. It was disgusting, I was shocked. I let many people know, Albert included, and they didn't do a thing until now, it seems," Rinna wrote in a now-expired Instagram Story.
The most severe charges levied against Alarr involve incidents that are alleged to have happened on the set. Those problems reportedly started to escalate after Alarr was promoted to co-executive producer in 2015. Since then, Alarr has been accused of being emotionally abusive and leaving cast members humiliated.
In the story reported by Deadline, Alarr is accused of having forced two actresses to kiss without their consent. Another incident involves an actress described to be in her early 40s shooting a love scene that would air in the summer of 2022. According to the investigation, the actress had requested an extra sheet. The sheet was not provided by the show's props department, leaving the actress feeling exposed and uncomfortable.
Alarr is alleged to have grown irritated by the delay in filming, which reportedly also left the actress feeling humiliated. The actress is said to have finished filming under duress.
Additionally, in an alleged incident from five to six years earlier that was revisited during the investigation, Alarr was accused of having forcefully grabbed and kissed an actress without her consent at an event after the show received an award. The actress was left horrified by the incident and afraid to be alone with Alarr afterwards, according to the investigation.
Alarr joined Days of our Lives in 2003.
In response to Deadline's story, Corday Productions released the following statement: Corday Productions engaged Sony Pictures Television, which distributes Days of our Lives, to conduct an impartial investigation into this matter. After a two-month investigation, the independent investigator produced a report with its findings. Based on those findings, Corday Productions has taken a series of actions designed to ensure a safe and respectful work environment.
As news of the report made its way across the Internet, Arianne Zucker (Nicole Walker) took to Twitter to let fans know "your love and messages mean everything."
Hello Wonderful Days Fans and supporters! In light of the recent information, trust in knowing that your love and messages mean everything. Also know that we are all supporting each other. Cast and crew! It takes a village. Just hang tightÖ?? pic.twitter.com/S6i9daU0ow
— Arianne Zucker (@Ari_Zucker) July 27, 2023
To read the full story that Deadline first reported on Tuesday, click here.
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